"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians"

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." - Mahatma Gandhi

During our Bible Study last week, our Achens shared the above quote ... I think all of us paused when we heard these words. Regardless of denomination, this statement is a sad reflection on all Christians.

This is definitely an area of improvement in our Church. Is it a priority to attract new members through actions, words and deeds? Would a stranger looking for Christ walk into our Church and feel both welcome and love?

A Catholic Church close to our house prints on the bottom of every handout a welcome note to say that those looking for a place to call home are welcome. The Evangelical Churches organize many events that welcome new comers, and systematically draws in people to their church.

And, yes - even our sister Orthodox Churches welcome those curious about the Faith to come and experience Christ .. including having an usher smile and welcome to the service.

Simple changes in priorities at the local Church level ... change of emphasis on the small things. This is the start, and not all the suggestions/arguments for vicar transfer, splitting the Diocese, etc.

The sentiment expressed by many who leave the Church that Orthodoxy is "so unlike your Christ" is not a failure in the Faith. Rather, the failure is in all of us 2000 years after Christ shared the message. Hoping we can find that core group of people within Chicago to truly live up to the expectations of our Indian Orthodox Church.

"When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." - Luke 12:48